Utility Bill Payment and Rates

Reporting a Plugged Drain

To report a plugged or backed up drain, contact
Public Works Operations office. When a plugged or backed up drain complaint is filed with the Public Works Department crews are dispatched to inspect the main wastewater line in the street for any blockages. If the wastewater is flowing freely in the main upstream and downstream of the location of the plugged or backed up drain, it can be assumed to be the side service and the property owner is contacted to make the repair.

Due to the nature of most wastewater problems, the Wastewater Collection Section responds to customer complaints and inquiries in a timely and efficient manner. The most common requests are to investigate for backups, odors, rat infiltration, missing manhole covers and sinkholes. All requests are logged and investigated. Resolution of some requests may involve collecting samples, physical and/or video inspection, dye testing, and consulting with the customer. During routine maintenance activities (smoke testing, video inspection, etc.) owners are made aware of any potential deficiencies (e.g., roots, holes) in their side service.

Wastewater Side Services

There are currently over 19,000 wastewater side services inside and outside the City limits. The side service from the wastewater main to the property line, including the connection to the wastewater main, is owned and maintained by the property owner. The City, by ordinance, is not responsible for the operation, maintenance or repair of wastewater side services. (BMC 15.12.060).

Infiltration and Inflow Investigation

Special
testing with smoke generating devices is used to locate cross-connections between stormwater and wastewater systems. Dye testing is another method used to evaluate infiltration, inflow and exfiltration and to confirm wastewater flow direction.

Service Objectives

Public Works is responsible for installing, inspecting, cleaning and repairing approximately 300 miles of wastewater mains inside and outside the city limits of Bellingham. The wastewater collection system also includes manholes and clean-outs that are routinely inspected and maintained to ensure adequate access to the wastewater mains for routine and emergency cleaning and inspection. The following objectives drive how this service is provided: